The Aga Khan IV, Wealthy Leader of the Ismaili Muslims, Dies at 88
New York TimesFeb 02
Aga Khan IV Passes Away at 88
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Above: Prince Shah Karim Al Hussaini, Aga Khan IV attends an event at the Aga Khan Centre on Oct. 2, 2019 in London, England. Image copyright: Contributor/Max Mumby/Indigo via Getty Images Entertainment
The Facts
Billionaire philanthropist and entrepreneur Karim Al-Hussaini, also known as Aga Khan IV — the 49th hereditary Imam of Shia Ismaili Muslims — passed away in Lisbon, Portugal, on Tuesday at age 88.
His charity, the Aga Khan Development Network, announced the death of the Switzerland-born British citizen in a statement without detailing the cause of his death. He is survived by his three children, his brother, his half-sister, and four grandchildren.
Al-Hussaini was passionate about horse racing and breeding and owned private jets, a $200M super-yacht, and a private island in the Bahamas, with a wealth estimated at between $800M and $13B — inherited and from investments.
The Spin
Narrative A
The world has lost a visionary leader whose influence stretched far beyond his spiritual role. Thrust into leadership at just 20, Aga Khan IV transformed his position into a force for global development, blending faith with pragmatic action. Through his philanthropy, he uplifted millions — investing in education, healthcare, and infrastructure in some of the world’s most fragile regions. His commitment to pluralism and progress leaves an enduring legacy of compassion and change.
Narrative B
Aga Khan IV straddled the worlds of faith, business, and high society with remarkable ease. While hailed for his philanthropy, his extravagant lifestyle often personified a contradiction between his spiritual leadership and material excess. His financial empire, fueled by contributions from followers, blended altruism with calculated investment, blurring the line between genuine benevolence and strategic self-interest. In the end, his mercurial celebrity was dazzling but also paradoxical.
